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BTME is back at Harrogate for 2013, and is shaping up to be another must-attend event, with many exhibitors having already confirmed their spaces, months in advance, as the countdown to 22-24 January 2013 begins.

The BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition, incorporating Continue to Learn Education Seminars and Workshops, which start the week-end before and run for five consecu-tive days, is the ultimate experience for golf greenkeepers.

BTME, widely regarded as Europe’s leading showcase for turf and groundscare profession-als and buyers, offers a fantastic opportunity to browse, buy and seek advice from over a hundred of

the top manufacturers and service providers across the world.

Look out for details soon on how to pre-register for your free visitors pass.

The BIGGA show heats up

22-24 January 2013 at the Harrogate International CentreBtMe 2013

the BIGGA turf Management exhibitionincorporating:

BIGGA Seminars & Workshops

20-23 January 2012

A look ahead to the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition, and Continue to Learn educational programme for 2013

IMAGES: A selection from BTME 2012, courtesy of SiRA Studio sirastudio.com

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BIGGA Seminars & Workshops

days of education5

Turf Managers’ Conference 2013Monday 21 January 2013The Crown Hotel, Harrogate

The Turf Managers’ Conference 2013 will make its return to the Continue to Learn at BTME 2013 education programme.

Taking place at The Crown Hotel in Harrogate on Monday 21 January 2013, the new venue will offer delegates a more comfortable learning environment whilst cementing the success of the Conference as it enters its third year.

The programme will feature some familiar industry names and will introduce new subject specialists to provide an interesting and thought provoking range of topics for Turf Managers’:

• Dr Thomas Nikolai - ‘The Doctor of Green Speed’ from Michigan State University, a specialist in putting green management to maximize turfgrass health, investment and customer satisfaction.

• David Bancroft-Turner from

3D Training and Development, a specialist in organisational politics.

• Dr Kate Entwistle, Turf Pathologist from the Turf Disease Centre, a specialist in disease and pest identification.

• Lorna Sheldon from CWI International a specialist in communication and presentation skills.

With prices held from 2012, this must attend event is being offered to BIGGA members at £99 + VAT (£195 + VAT for non members). To reserve your place at this popular event, telephone or email Rachael Duffy, Learning and Development Administrator on 01347 833800 (option 3) or rachael@bigga.co.uk.

Continue to Learn Workshops

The Continue to Learn Workshop programme will make its return to the Queen’s Suite of Harrogate International Centre on Sunday 20 and Monday 21 January 2013.

Featuring a series of one and two-day workshops including:

Two-Day Workshops• Essential IT Business

Administration for Greenkeepers

Continue to learn at BTME 2013

• Irrigation System Management and Design

• Moving into Management• So You Want to be a Golf

Course Manager

One-Day Workshops• The A, B, C’s of Putting Green

Maintenance• The Grass Plant• Basic Golf Mechanics• Health and Safety

Documentation• How to be an Outstanding

Manager (Part 2)• How to be an Outstanding

Manager (Part 4)• Diagnostic and Problem

Solving• The Soil• Basic Budgeting and Golf

Course Finance• Pesticides Update for NPTC

Certificate Holders

Continue to Learn Seminars

The Continue to Learn Seminar Programme will feature more than 25 sessions, all of which are free of charge to all visitors.

There will be feature sessions including presentations from:

• Thom Nikolai, The Doctor of Green Speed, from Michigan State University

• Curtis Tyrrell MG CGCS, Superintendent from the 2012 Ryder Cup venue, Medinah Country Club, Chicago, USA

• John Philp, retired Course Manager from Carnoustie

• Steve Chappell, Course Manager, PGA Centenary at Gleneagles, host of the 2014 Ryder Cup

• Stuart Yarwood MG, Course Manager, Lymm Golf Club

• Richard Jenkinson, Deputy Course Manager, gWest

• Rob Wills, Assistant Greenkeeper, Remedy Oaks Golf Club

• Les Howkins MG, The Richmond Golf Club

This year we will be introducing a seminar pre-booking system for BIGGA members. Look out for further details in the Continue to Learn brochure.

2013 will see the introduction of ‘Focus On’ sessions. These 1.5 – 2 hour sessions will home in on specific areas, split into different strands including:

• Management• Technical • Environmental• Information TechnologyFor further details on all of the

education on offer, see the full Continue to Learn at BTME 2013 education programme that will be delivered with your October issue of Greenkeeper International.

20-24 January 2013

BIGGA can already confirm a host of education seminars and workshops, coming your way in January 2013...

Accommodation

Are you planning your trip to BTME and Continue to Learn 2013?

Reservation Highway is the officially appointed accommodation agent for BTME 2013 providing a centralised point of contact for all your accommodation and travel enquiries.

By following the link on the BTME website you can gain instant access to all of the accommodation rates that have been specially negotiated for the event. All of the rates shown are what you will pay, with no hidden extras. In addition to special nightly rates, Reservation Highway also offers special deals such as 3 night specials, advance purchase and early bird rates.

Reservation Highway can be contacted on +44 (0) 1423 525577.

ABoVe: the turf Managers’ Conference from Continue to Learn 2013

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FeAtUre

BIGGA Seminars & Workshops

days of education5

Turf Managers’ Conference 2013Monday 21 January 2013The Crown Hotel, Harrogate

The Turf Managers’ Conference 2013 will make its return to the Continue to Learn at BTME 2013 education programme.

Taking place at The Crown Hotel in Harrogate on Monday 21 January 2013, the new venue will offer delegates a more comfortable learning environment whilst cementing the success of the Conference as it enters its third year.

The programme will feature some familiar industry names and will introduce new subject specialists to provide an interesting and thought provoking range of topics for Turf Managers’:

• Dr Thomas Nikolai - ‘The Doctor of Green Speed’ from Michigan State University, a specialist in putting green management to maximize turfgrass health, investment and customer satisfaction.

• David Bancroft-Turner from

3D Training and Development, a specialist in organisational politics.

• Dr Kate Entwistle, Turf Pathologist from the Turf Disease Centre, a specialist in disease and pest identification.

• Lorna Sheldon from CWI International a specialist in communication and presentation skills.

With prices held from 2012, this must attend event is being offered to BIGGA members at £99 + VAT (£195 + VAT for non members). To reserve your place at this popular event, telephone or email Rachael Duffy, Learning and Development Administrator on 01347 833800 (option 3) or rachael@bigga.co.uk.

Continue to Learn Workshops

The Continue to Learn Workshop programme will make its return to the Queen’s Suite of Harrogate International Centre on Sunday 20 and Monday 21 January 2013.

Featuring a series of one and two-day workshops including:

Two-Day Workshops• Essential IT Business

Administration for Greenkeepers

Continue to learn at BTME 2013

• Irrigation System Management and Design

• Moving into Management• So You Want to be a Golf

Course Manager

One-Day Workshops• The A, B, C’s of Putting Green

Maintenance• The Grass Plant• Basic Golf Mechanics• Health and Safety

Documentation• How to be an Outstanding

Manager (Part 2)• How to be an Outstanding

Manager (Part 4)• Diagnostic and Problem

Solving• The Soil• Basic Budgeting and Golf

Course Finance• Pesticides Update for NPTC

Certificate Holders

Continue to Learn Seminars

The Continue to Learn Seminar Programme will feature more than 25 sessions, all of which are free of charge to all visitors.

There will be feature sessions including presentations from:

• Thom Nikolai, The Doctor of Green Speed, from Michigan State University

• Curtis Tyrrell MG CGCS, Superintendent from the 2012 Ryder Cup venue, Medinah Country Club, Chicago, USA

• John Philp, retired Course Manager from Carnoustie

• Steve Chappell, Course Manager, PGA Centenary at Gleneagles, host of the 2014 Ryder Cup

• Stuart Yarwood MG, Course Manager, Lymm Golf Club

• Richard Jenkinson, Deputy Course Manager, gWest

• Rob Wills, Assistant Greenkeeper, Remedy Oaks Golf Club

• Les Howkins MG, The Richmond Golf Club

This year we will be introducing a seminar pre-booking system for BIGGA members. Look out for further details in the Continue to Learn brochure.

2013 will see the introduction of ‘Focus On’ sessions. These 1.5 – 2 hour sessions will home in on specific areas, split into different strands including:

• Management• Technical • Environmental• Information TechnologyFor further details on all of the

education on offer, see the full Continue to Learn at BTME 2013 education programme that will be delivered with your October issue of Greenkeeper International.

20-24 January 2013

BIGGA can already confirm a host of education seminars and workshops, coming your way in January 2013...

Accommodation

Are you planning your trip to BTME and Continue to Learn 2013?

Reservation Highway is the officially appointed accommodation agent for BTME 2013 providing a centralised point of contact for all your accommodation and travel enquiries.

By following the link on the BTME website you can gain instant access to all of the accommodation rates that have been specially negotiated for the event. All of the rates shown are what you will pay, with no hidden extras. In addition to special nightly rates, Reservation Highway also offers special deals such as 3 night specials, advance purchase and early bird rates.

Reservation Highway can be contacted on +44 (0) 1423 525577.

ABoVe: the turf Managers’ Conference from Continue to Learn 2013

The BIGGA National Championship 2012, sponsored by Charterhouse and Kubota, will be played at the glorious Irvine Golf Club, at Bogside, in Scotland. In this 25th year of BIGGA, Irvine GC is 125, so the championship in October should be a celebration to remember. Jim Cook returned from the trip north with splendid photography and words to match

The BIGGA test

The course offers a behemoth of a challenge and as it has been known to reduce professional golfers to whimpering wrecks is definitely not one for the faint hearted.

Head Greenkeeper, Derek Wilson, said: “The Scottish pro Alan Tait brought three young pros down to play and they were saying ‘it’s only six-and-a-half thousand yards, it must be easy’ then in the clubhouse at the end of the round he said ‘tell them what you scored’ and one, in tears, admitted he hadn’t broken 100!”

A true links challenge, the course sits on sand with fairways divided roughly by thick gorse bushes and heather which lay in wait for any wayward shots.

“If you hit the ball straight you’ll get a good score. Accuracy off the

tee is a must because if you end up in the bushes, you’re in trouble,” Derek added.

It was built in 1887 and some of the present character of the course comes from James Braid’s designs in the 1920s. His use of nature as a tool is greatly in evidence around Irvine GC and part of its individual-istic charm can be attributed to the great Scottish course designer.

The course has not changed much since then and all the bunkers still sit in their original positions. In the past 25 years, new tees have been built at the 2nd, 6th, 12th, 17th and 18th.

Derek said: “The basic shape of the golf course hasn’t altered and with some of the lengthy carries we have around here, can you imagine trying to hit them with hickory golf clubs? It’s the same with all of the courses down this stretch and you

the 12th at Arran

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BIGGA nAtIonAL CHAMPIonSHIP 2012

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The BIGGA National Championship 2012, sponsored by Charterhouse and Kubota, will be played at the glorious Irvine Golf Club, at Bogside, in Scotland. In this 25th year of BIGGA, Irvine GC is 125, so the championship in October should be a celebration to remember. Jim Cook returned from the trip north with splendid photography and words to match

The BIGGA test

The course offers a behemoth of a challenge and as it has been known to reduce professional golfers to whimpering wrecks is definitely not one for the faint hearted.

Head Greenkeeper, Derek Wilson, said: “The Scottish pro Alan Tait brought three young pros down to play and they were saying ‘it’s only six-and-a-half thousand yards, it must be easy’ then in the clubhouse at the end of the round he said ‘tell them what you scored’ and one, in tears, admitted he hadn’t broken 100!”

A true links challenge, the course sits on sand with fairways divided roughly by thick gorse bushes and heather which lay in wait for any wayward shots.

“If you hit the ball straight you’ll get a good score. Accuracy off the

tee is a must because if you end up in the bushes, you’re in trouble,” Derek added.

It was built in 1887 and some of the present character of the course comes from James Braid’s designs in the 1920s. His use of nature as a tool is greatly in evidence around Irvine GC and part of its individual-istic charm can be attributed to the great Scottish course designer.

The course has not changed much since then and all the bunkers still sit in their original positions. In the past 25 years, new tees have been built at the 2nd, 6th, 12th, 17th and 18th.

Derek said: “The basic shape of the golf course hasn’t altered and with some of the lengthy carries we have around here, can you imagine trying to hit them with hickory golf clubs? It’s the same with all of the courses down this stretch and you

the 12th at Arran

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BIGGA nAtIonAL CHAMPIonSHIP 2012

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look at the scores they made back then it’s incredible.”

One man who can imagine this is Derek himself as he often plays in the Hickory Championships.

He started as a greenkeeper at Irvine GC in 1975, went to Turn-berry in 1981 and stayed there until 1986 when he was offered the job of Head Greenkeeper back at Irvine.

Irvine GC is regularly used by the R&A as a Final Open Qualifying Course and in 2003 the club co-hosted the Amateur Championship with Royal Troon. In 2007, the Brit-ish Seniors Open was co-hosted with Turnberry and in 2009 the Ladies Home Internationals were hosted at the club.

One of the many pros who have played Irvine was the charismatic Christy O’Connor Jnr, now on the senior tour. “He’s well known for

better when they are weathered. New sleepers just tend to look like plywood,” said Derek.

The only maintenance the sleep-ers require is a coat of creosote once-a-year.

When playing the course, each hole offers unique challenges and it is interesting to note that there is just one par-five and two par-threes at Irvine. Five of the par-fours are over 400 yards and the overall yardage is 6423 yards from the white tees.

The 4th runs parallel to the main West Coast railway line which also acts as out of bounds to the left. The raised green can be tricky because a long approach may find the River Irvine and a short one will leave a difficult chip.

Number five is menacingly

called ‘Sandface’ and lives up to its name with a gigantic bunker set at the foot of an incline in front of the green. This 279 yard par-four requires a 250 yard carry in the air if a player wants to be bold and go for the green.

The 7th hole runs alongside where the old Bogside racecourse used to be. The racecourse was one of the oldest in Scotland with a history dating back to the 17th century. It was the home of the Scottish Grand National until it was moved, due to the closure of Bogside railway station, to Ayr Racecourse in 1966.

Of the 119 bunkers on the course, the 8th boasts six of them. This, one of the two par-threes, is 180 yards and once again demands an accurate tee shot.

hitting that two-iron on the 18th at the Belfry and he must have sold that two-iron ten times in the club-house here! He qualified no bother by playing conservatively with irons off the tees. He said that you cannae win the Open here, just get into it, so he didn’t do anything silly.”

Out on the course itself, the greens consist of around 60% bentgrass and 40% Poa annua and the fairways are mainly bentgrass with small bits of fescue. “We say around here that you don’t play fairway shots from grass, you play from turf,” added Derek.

He explained the reasons as to why sleepers were installed on the faces of several bunkers around the course: “The ones on the 18th fairway have been in over 20 years and the reason we put them in is because they last longer. It’s

normally very windy here and the wind erodes the turf. Then you have under-hanging lies in the bunkers, so we went with an experiment with sleepers after we had seen them at Prestwick Golf Club. For a tradi-tional golf course like ours, it suits it because they are fitted into the banking.”

Earlier this year, sleepers were installed into the large bunker in front of the green on the par-three 16th. This work was done in-house by the six staff on the course and took about two weeks.

“All the front sleepers have wires attached to ones at the back so they can’t fall, so there’s a lot of work in it. If one fell it could cause serious injury so we’ve got to make sure they can’t move at all. We decided to use traditional rail sleepers rather than new ones as it looks

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16th With new sleepers in bunker

18th hole

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BIGGA nAtIonAL CHAMPIonSHIP 2012

look at the scores they made back then it’s incredible.”

One man who can imagine this is Derek himself as he often plays in the Hickory Championships.

He started as a greenkeeper at Irvine GC in 1975, went to Turn-berry in 1981 and stayed there until 1986 when he was offered the job of Head Greenkeeper back at Irvine.

Irvine GC is regularly used by the R&A as a Final Open Qualifying Course and in 2003 the club co-hosted the Amateur Championship with Royal Troon. In 2007, the Brit-ish Seniors Open was co-hosted with Turnberry and in 2009 the Ladies Home Internationals were hosted at the club.

One of the many pros who have played Irvine was the charismatic Christy O’Connor Jnr, now on the senior tour. “He’s well known for

better when they are weathered. New sleepers just tend to look like plywood,” said Derek.

The only maintenance the sleep-ers require is a coat of creosote once-a-year.

When playing the course, each hole offers unique challenges and it is interesting to note that there is just one par-five and two par-threes at Irvine. Five of the par-fours are over 400 yards and the overall yardage is 6423 yards from the white tees.

The 4th runs parallel to the main West Coast railway line which also acts as out of bounds to the left. The raised green can be tricky because a long approach may find the River Irvine and a short one will leave a difficult chip.

Number five is menacingly

called ‘Sandface’ and lives up to its name with a gigantic bunker set at the foot of an incline in front of the green. This 279 yard par-four requires a 250 yard carry in the air if a player wants to be bold and go for the green.

The 7th hole runs alongside where the old Bogside racecourse used to be. The racecourse was one of the oldest in Scotland with a history dating back to the 17th century. It was the home of the Scottish Grand National until it was moved, due to the closure of Bogside railway station, to Ayr Racecourse in 1966.

Of the 119 bunkers on the course, the 8th boasts six of them. This, one of the two par-threes, is 180 yards and once again demands an accurate tee shot.

hitting that two-iron on the 18th at the Belfry and he must have sold that two-iron ten times in the club-house here! He qualified no bother by playing conservatively with irons off the tees. He said that you cannae win the Open here, just get into it, so he didn’t do anything silly.”

Out on the course itself, the greens consist of around 60% bentgrass and 40% Poa annua and the fairways are mainly bentgrass with small bits of fescue. “We say around here that you don’t play fairway shots from grass, you play from turf,” added Derek.

He explained the reasons as to why sleepers were installed on the faces of several bunkers around the course: “The ones on the 18th fairway have been in over 20 years and the reason we put them in is because they last longer. It’s

normally very windy here and the wind erodes the turf. Then you have under-hanging lies in the bunkers, so we went with an experiment with sleepers after we had seen them at Prestwick Golf Club. For a tradi-tional golf course like ours, it suits it because they are fitted into the banking.”

Earlier this year, sleepers were installed into the large bunker in front of the green on the par-three 16th. This work was done in-house by the six staff on the course and took about two weeks.

“All the front sleepers have wires attached to ones at the back so they can’t fall, so there’s a lot of work in it. If one fell it could cause serious injury so we’ve got to make sure they can’t move at all. We decided to use traditional rail sleepers rather than new ones as it looks

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16th With new sleepers in bunker

18th hole

AUGUST 2012 GI 27

BIGGA nAtIonAL CHAMPIonSHIP 2012

Irvine GC Kit InventoryJohn Deere 3235B fairway mowerToro Sidewinder with rotary headsJohn Deere triple mowerJacobsen Mk 4 greens cutter6 x Jacobsen 523B hand mowers (3 older model and 3 newer)Iseki TractorJohn Deere 955 compact tractorWiedenmann Terra Spike verti-drainJohn Deere Aercore aeratorRansomes 180 diesel

The par-four 14th is called ‘The Specs’ because of the resemblance of two bunkers in front of the green to spectacles. It is also worth noting that the 14th at Carnoustie’s Championship Course is named ‘Spectacles’ for the same reason. There are two flags on the pole on Irvine’s 14th green. This is because it is two-tiered and two flags indi-cate a pin placement on the top tier, whereas one indicates a lower tier pin position.

When you stand on one of the higher tees out on the course, such as the 15th, the industrial past of the area is still in evidence as well as the beautiful nature offered by this part of Scotland. The Arran Mountains rise in the distance on one side whilst the now defunct ICI factory, that made munitions during the Second World War, can be seen between the course and the Firth of Clyde. A busy train track runs alongside parts of the course and smoke rises from factories across the river in Irvine.

The 15th is named ‘Bartonholm’ after a now-demolished mining vil-lage which lay just north of the 16th hole. The story behind this miner’s row is interesting as three Scottish amateur champions lived here during the last century. Hammy McInally, Jack Cannon and Jimmy Walker all honed their golfing skills at Irvine GC and the latter was the last amateur to play Jack Nicklaus in the 1961 Walker Cup.

This golf course demands accu-rate shot-making and nowhere is this fact more apparent than on the final three holes. The par-three 16th has the large bunker, complete with new sleepers, guarding the front whilst a slope at the back means recovering from a long shot is tricky.

The par-four 17th is probably the hardest hole on the course. Off the tee, heavy rough and gorse awaits a shot leaked to the right, whilst a sloping fairway punishes shots which are even slightly too far to the

left. A tee shot hitting the left side of the fairway is destined for the rough or heather, so an accurate iron shot to the right hand side of the fairway is required here.

The 18th poses a formidable test of golfing skills. From the tee the player is greeted by the sight of two very ominous looking bunkers with gorse jutting out to the right and the rail track to the left. The blind tee shot to reach the fairway must carry 190 yards from the back tees to clear the bunkers. A good target to aim for off the tee is the right hand side of the clubhouse. Even after breathing a sigh of relief due to an accurately placed tee shot, the

“The par-four 14th is called ‘The Specs’ because of the resemblance of two bunkers in front of the green to spectacles”

golfer will notice a green guarded by seven bunkers and a gully at the front.

Even under calm conditions these holes require precision, but imagine the golfer approaching these final holes with a good score under their belt, perhaps with the nerves jangling and palms sweat-ing. Add blustery conditions into the equation and the perils are heightened to a frightening level.

As BIGGA celebrates its 25th year what better way to mark this than to have the National Championship at a course celebrating its 125th year. The record of previous successful National Championships combined with the challenges of the fabulous links course that is Irvine GC make this year’s competition, on 8 - 9 October, one not to be missed.

Challenge Trophy results from the last five years of the National Championship

Last year’s championship, at West Lancs Golf Club, saw Jason Hunt, an Assistant at Addington Palace Golf Club, keep his composure in blustery

conditions to win by one shot from Kevin Boxall, of Guildford GC, whilst Garry Duncan, of Carnoustie Links, came third.

2010: 1st - Paul Frith 2009: 1st - Derek McJannet2008: 1st - David Simpson2007: 1st - David Simpson

Please select the relevant category:

q Full Member

q Affiliate Member

The entry fee of £95 includes all golf fees, lunch both days and dinner on Monday evening. Please note that there is no accommodation provided.

Name ..........................................................

Address.......................................................

..............................................................

........................ Post Code .....................

Mobile .........................................................

E-mail .........................................................

Membership No. .........................................

Handicap ....................................................

BIGGA Section ............................................

Golf Club ...................................................

Payment method (please tick)

q I enclose my cheque made payable to ‘BIGGA Ltd’ value £95

q Please debit my Mastercard / Switch / Visa / Delta card with the fee of £95

Card number ..............................................

..............................................................

Start Date ................Expiry Date ...............

Last 3 security digits ...................................

Issue No. (Switch/Delta only) .....................

Signature ....................................................

Date ............................................................

Or E-mail your details to:rachael@bigga.co.uk Ensure you receive confirmation of entry by return email.

Deadline for entry is 11th September 2012.

Completed entry forms should be sent to:BIGGA National Championship, BIGGA House, Aldwark, Alne, York YO61 1UF

The main tournament for the Challenge Trophy will be played over 36 holes, medal play, with the best overall gross score producing the BIGGA National Champion, who must be a greenkeeper member. The greenkeeper player with the lowest nett score will be presented with the BIGGA Challenge Cup.

There will be prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd over 36 holes in both the nett and gross categories, additionally after each day of 18 holes there will be prizes for winners of handicap divisions. The BIGGA Regional Team Cup and prize will be calculated from the 8 best nett scores over the first day of play. If you have a poor first day an alternative Stableford competition will be held on the second day of play.

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The quest to find BIGGA’s best golfer returns in 2012 when the National Championship moves to The Irvine Golf Club, Bogside, Ayrshire, on October 8-9, 2012(Visit the club website at www.theirvinegolfclub.co.uk)

Fill in the form below to book your spot

BIGGA National Championship 2012

BIGGA National Championship 2012, The Irvine Golf Club, October 8-9 • Entry Form

The 14th green at The Irvine Golf Club

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BIGGA National Champs 2012.indd 1 03/07/2012 11:12

Book your

spot now...

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the par-four 14th: called ‘the Specs’ because of the resemblance of two bunkers in front of the green to spectacles

Blowing clumps of grass near the 12th green

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Irvine GC Kit InventoryJohn Deere 3235B fairway mowerToro Sidewinder with rotary headsJohn Deere triple mowerJacobsen Mk 4 greens cutter6 x Jacobsen 523B hand mowers (3 older model and 3 newer)Iseki TractorJohn Deere 955 compact tractorWiedenmann Terra Spike verti-drainJohn Deere Aercore aeratorRansomes 180 diesel

The par-four 14th is called ‘The Specs’ because of the resemblance of two bunkers in front of the green to spectacles. It is also worth noting that the 14th at Carnoustie’s Championship Course is named ‘Spectacles’ for the same reason. There are two flags on the pole on Irvine’s 14th green. This is because it is two-tiered and two flags indi-cate a pin placement on the top tier, whereas one indicates a lower tier pin position.

When you stand on one of the higher tees out on the course, such as the 15th, the industrial past of the area is still in evidence as well as the beautiful nature offered by this part of Scotland. The Arran Mountains rise in the distance on one side whilst the now defunct ICI factory, that made munitions during the Second World War, can be seen between the course and the Firth of Clyde. A busy train track runs alongside parts of the course and smoke rises from factories across the river in Irvine.

The 15th is named ‘Bartonholm’ after a now-demolished mining vil-lage which lay just north of the 16th hole. The story behind this miner’s row is interesting as three Scottish amateur champions lived here during the last century. Hammy McInally, Jack Cannon and Jimmy Walker all honed their golfing skills at Irvine GC and the latter was the last amateur to play Jack Nicklaus in the 1961 Walker Cup.

This golf course demands accu-rate shot-making and nowhere is this fact more apparent than on the final three holes. The par-three 16th has the large bunker, complete with new sleepers, guarding the front whilst a slope at the back means recovering from a long shot is tricky.

The par-four 17th is probably the hardest hole on the course. Off the tee, heavy rough and gorse awaits a shot leaked to the right, whilst a sloping fairway punishes shots which are even slightly too far to the

left. A tee shot hitting the left side of the fairway is destined for the rough or heather, so an accurate iron shot to the right hand side of the fairway is required here.

The 18th poses a formidable test of golfing skills. From the tee the player is greeted by the sight of two very ominous looking bunkers with gorse jutting out to the right and the rail track to the left. The blind tee shot to reach the fairway must carry 190 yards from the back tees to clear the bunkers. A good target to aim for off the tee is the right hand side of the clubhouse. Even after breathing a sigh of relief due to an accurately placed tee shot, the

“The par-four 14th is called ‘The Specs’ because of the resemblance of two bunkers in front of the green to spectacles”

golfer will notice a green guarded by seven bunkers and a gully at the front.

Even under calm conditions these holes require precision, but imagine the golfer approaching these final holes with a good score under their belt, perhaps with the nerves jangling and palms sweat-ing. Add blustery conditions into the equation and the perils are heightened to a frightening level.

As BIGGA celebrates its 25th year what better way to mark this than to have the National Championship at a course celebrating its 125th year. The record of previous successful National Championships combined with the challenges of the fabulous links course that is Irvine GC make this year’s competition, on 8 - 9 October, one not to be missed.

Challenge Trophy results from the last five years of the National Championship

Last year’s championship, at West Lancs Golf Club, saw Jason Hunt, an Assistant at Addington Palace Golf Club, keep his composure in blustery

conditions to win by one shot from Kevin Boxall, of Guildford GC, whilst Garry Duncan, of Carnoustie Links, came third.

2010: 1st - Paul Frith 2009: 1st - Derek McJannet2008: 1st - David Simpson2007: 1st - David Simpson

Please select the relevant category:

q Full Member

q Affiliate Member

The entry fee of £95 includes all golf fees, lunch both days and dinner on Monday evening. Please note that there is no accommodation provided.

Name ..........................................................

Address.......................................................

..............................................................

........................ Post Code .....................

Mobile .........................................................

E-mail .........................................................

Membership No. .........................................

Handicap ....................................................

BIGGA Section ............................................

Golf Club ...................................................

Payment method (please tick)

q I enclose my cheque made payable to ‘BIGGA Ltd’ value £95

q Please debit my Mastercard / Switch / Visa / Delta card with the fee of £95

Card number ..............................................

..............................................................

Start Date ................Expiry Date ...............

Last 3 security digits ...................................

Issue No. (Switch/Delta only) .....................

Signature ....................................................

Date ............................................................

Or E-mail your details to:rachael@bigga.co.uk Ensure you receive confirmation of entry by return email.

Deadline for entry is 11th September 2012.

Completed entry forms should be sent to:BIGGA National Championship, BIGGA House, Aldwark, Alne, York YO61 1UF

The main tournament for the Challenge Trophy will be played over 36 holes, medal play, with the best overall gross score producing the BIGGA National Champion, who must be a greenkeeper member. The greenkeeper player with the lowest nett score will be presented with the BIGGA Challenge Cup.

There will be prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd over 36 holes in both the nett and gross categories, additionally after each day of 18 holes there will be prizes for winners of handicap divisions. The BIGGA Regional Team Cup and prize will be calculated from the 8 best nett scores over the first day of play. If you have a poor first day an alternative Stableford competition will be held on the second day of play.

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The quest to find BIGGA’s best golfer returns in 2012 when the National Championship moves to The Irvine Golf Club, Bogside, Ayrshire, on October 8-9, 2012(Visit the club website at www.theirvinegolfclub.co.uk)

Fill in the form below to book your spot

BIGGA National Championship 2012

BIGGA National Championship 2012, The Irvine Golf Club, October 8-9 • Entry Form

The 14th green at The Irvine Golf Club

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Book your

spot now...

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the par-four 14th: called ‘the Specs’ because of the resemblance of two bunkers in front of the green to spectacles

Blowing clumps of grass near the 12th green

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BIGGA nAtIonAL CHAMPIonSHIP 2012

Charterhouse and Kubota, joint sponsors of BIGGA’s premier golf event, the BIGGA National Championship 2012

The BIGGA National Championship 2012, once again, comes to you courtesy of Charterhouse Turf Machinery and Kubota, who have a long history of working together. This amalgamation of Power Source and Implements is enhanced in their joint sponsoring of BIGGA’s premier golf event.

Kubota has been established for more than 30 years in the UK. Their world class excellence ensures they are at the forefront of innovation and one of the leading manufacturers of tractors, ground-care equipment, utility vehicles and mini excavators.

The company is constituted into three main product categories of Engines; Construction Equipment; Tractor & Groundcare. Earlier this year the company completed a restructuring of their management team with the creation of a new role for Dave Roberts. Dave left the company in 2010 after 21 years of service and has been enticed back to head up Kubota’s three product sectors as Sales and Marketing General Manager.

In addition he has direct respon-sibility for the tractor division, which has a Kubota Compact Tractor to perfectly suit every need. The ‘B’ series covers the range 12 to 32HP, with the ‘L’ series and ‘STV’ series covering the range 32 to 41HP. They deliver exceptional

Joint support

power output, a host of perfor-mance enhancing features, unri-valled reliability, durability, and economy. They exhibit consistent performance in all seasons over all applications, both in confined and open areas.

With optimum reliability, profi-cient fuel economy and outstand-ing versatility, the Kubota range of ‘F’ series out-front rotary mowers and ‘G’ series ride-on cut and col-lect Mowers are of particular inter-est to Greenkeepers. In particular, the G26 mower finds application in mowing high presentation areas like the front of golf club houses and entrances. These areas demand a clean, clip-free finish and for this purpose a ride-on rotary mower with an efficient collection system is the ideal solution. Kubota’s G26 is the ultimate grass cutting machine for this type of work, with its 25.5hp Kubota three-cylinder ETVCS water-cooled diesel engine and 20.5 litre fuel tank, offering exceptional power and efficiency for demand-ing mowing operations. The 1.37m (54in) deck offers great productivity for open spaces and larger lawns. The G26 is simplicity itself for any member of staff. Featuring a single pedal operated HST transmission with a top speed of 17kph, it can travel quickly between mowing sites whilst the hydrostatic power steering optimises performance to reduce fatigue during a long day’s operation.

Joint sponsor, Charterhouse Turf Machinery, has also been pro-viding Grounds Professionals with Redexim maintenance machinery for the last 30 years.

Probably best known for its iconic Verti-DrainTM aerator, the company’s range is constantly evolving and expanding to not only offer aerators, but also top dress-ers, overseeders and scarifiers for natural turf.

The company has been develop-ing maintenance equipment for Synthetic surfaces during the past few years and have one of the best ranges on the market.

Together, they suit the needs of all Greenkeepers from pedestrian units to treat small areas economi-cally, to PTO driven commercial units for larger spaces.

The newest product to come out of the Redexim stable is the Verti-Drain 1517, larger sister to the 1513. It is a high speed Verti-Drain offering increased output to ease busy workloads.

With a working width of 1.76M, it can handle depths of up to 50mm (6”), but weighs in at only 520kg so a small tractor from 28hp is man enough to pull it.

It is small enough to find an application on golf courses where it can reduce the need for expen-sive drainage works and offers uninterrupted year-round play without resorting to temporary greens.

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BIGGA nAtIonAL CHAMPIonSHIP 2012